Talking About Sex & Being Sex Positive
August 2026
Have you heard of Sextember?
It’s an annual sexual health, education and inclusion festival turning up the confidence, breaking down the taboos and celebrating everything that makes sex and identity empowering.
It’s a month-long festival with online and in-person events during September (which is next month!)
So in preparation for Sextember, we thought we’d start talking about sex!
Because the way we talk about sex, sexuality and sexual health matters.
Talking about sex doesn’t need to be big but it does need to be safe, non-judgemental and inclusive. Starting sex positive conversations helps to break down stigma, shame and fear around sexual health.
At Caddyshack Project we promote a positive approach to sex, sexuality and sexual health.
But what does it actually mean to be sex positive? And how do we have sex positive conversations?
Whether you’re a young person, or you work with young people, this blog post will break down sex positivity and give you an insight into inclusive and shame-free sex and sexuality content.
Being Sex Positive Is About Feeling Seen, Heard & Supported
Sex and sexuality are a natural part of human development. Many young people grow up surrounded by shame-based or fear-driven messages about sex, leaving them feeling confused, embarrassed or unsure about how and where to get information and support. This really resonated with us as a team when reflecting on our own sex education when we were in school.
Being sex positive is about putting values like consent, pleasure, safety and choice at the centre. It’s about having the tools to take charge of your sexual health. Learning about sex and sexual health and making informed choices about sex, your body and relationships are ways you can be sex positive.
Sexual Health That Is Sex Positive
When it comes to sexual health, being sex positive is about more than the practical stuff like anatomy and the risk of unplanned pregnancy and Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs). It also includes conversations about:
Consent and communication
Pleasure and comfort
Boundaries and agency
Gender identity and sexual diversity
How to stay safe and where to get support
A sex positive approach to sexual health education is not about encouraging sex. The evidence tells us that sexual health education equips young people with the knowledge, skills and values to have safe, fulfilling and enjoyable relationships while making responsible and safe choices that protect their own health, safety and wellbeing and that of others.
Why Are We Talking About This?
Some young people are sexually active, some aren’t, and either is ok. What we do know is that young people aged 18 – 25 years old have higher rates of STIs like chlamydia.
Everyone deserves access to honest, accurate and non-judgemental information and sexual health services, regardless of their identity, sexuality, body type, ability or experience.
We always recommend checking out Play Safe NSW for everything you need to know about sex and sexual health. You can also ask a confidential question to a sexual health nurse for free through a live chat or on the phone by calling 1800 451 624.
Having conversations about sex that are open, shame-free and inclusive, plus engaging in non-judgemental sexual health education, means that young people are more likely to use condoms and other protection, get tested for STIs, talk to their partners about consent and boundaries, and feel more confident and in control of their sexual health.
And THAT is why we are talking about being sex positive!
How To Talk About Sex
Talking about sex is important to build healthy and safe attitudes and behaviours. We love the ‘How To Talk About Sex’ blog post co-written by Jennifer Zhang, an international student in Australia. Jennifer shares her story about why talking about sex is important, what to know about sex (including the 4C’s for safe and great sex) and where to go for information.
Once you have the reliable sexual health information and you feel like you are ready to talk about sex with your peers, it is always good to ask them first before you dive into a full sex positive conversation. This is an example of practicing consent.
‘Being comfortable to have these conversations creates a social support system that’s inclusive and informative. Starting a conversation in a safe and non-judgmental environment, helps to break down stigma and promote a positive approach to sex, sexuality and sexual health...’ International Student Health Hub blog post
Understanding the risks, listening to your body and knowing where to go for safe and inclusive services, is the first step to feeling empowered to take control of your sexual health.
Check out the Play Safe STI testing service finder to locate a NSW testing service near you.
So, as we go into SEXtember, let’s start sex positive conversations and break down stigma!
Peace, Love & Protection
x